Mulvany full of praise for Joyce after Rathbranchurch makes breakthrough

Rathbranchurch posted the first success of his career in the apprentice handicap over an extended five furlongs in Navan.

Jockey Wesley Joyce and trainer Michael Mulvany have been teaming up to great effect since Joyce returned from serious injury and this was another victory for the pair.

Rathbranchurch took aim at Art Of Unity and passed him at the furlong pole. The new leader was strong in the final 100 yards as he rolled home by half a length at 7/1. Gobi Star kept on for second at a nicely-backed 12/1 and was the same distance in front of Art Of Unity (8/1). The evergreen Teddy Boy grabbed fourth at 10/1 to give his place backers a dividend.

“He's been second four times this year. The owners are local so I'm delighted for them as they stuck with the horse all year, it's great to get a win with him,” said Mulvany.

“We made a mistake as I thought he might get the seven in Fairyhouse, as it's a handy seven, but he doesn't seem to get that trip. This trip here is ideal for him.

“He's entered at the Curragh on Saturday and we might have to go again.

“Wesley is well worth his claim, I reckon he's the best apprentice in the country. Things just didn't work out for him, but they are now.

“There is a long road to go yet, but he's probably getting a bit more firepower now with Johnny (Murtagh) than when he was with me. He puts a lot of work in.

“That's 15 on the board for me this season and they are all newish horses. Hopefully we can keep it going.” Merisi Diamond the gambled on 6/1 favourite, slipped up in mid-division in the final quarter of a mile. Both Conor Stone-Walsh and the horse emerged unscathed from the incident.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson